At this week’s IEEE IEDM conference, imec, the research and innovation hub in nano-electronics and digital technologies showed for the first time a silicon (Si)-passivated germanium (Ge) nMOS gate stack with dramatically reduced interface defect density (DIT) reaching the same level as a Si gate stack and with high mobility and reduced positive bias temperature instability (PBTI). These promising results pave the way to Ge-based finFETs and gate all-around devices, as promising options for 5nm and beyond logic devices.

Today’s results were achieved by band engineering using an interface dipole at high-k/SiO2 interface, and a H2 high-pressure anneal (HPA) finalizing the process flow. The interface dipole was formed on SiO2 layer by depositing a Lanthanum (La)SiO layer by atomic layer deposition (ALD), which is a 3D-compatible process. While a high DIT has been the leading concern for Si-passivated Ge nFET, it was dramatically reduced, for the first time, from 2×1012 cm-2eV-1 down to 5×1010 cm-2eV-1 around midgap using a combination of the LaSiO insertion and a H2 HPA. Consequently, electron mobility was increased (approximately 50 percent at peak) while PBTI reliability was improved thanks to the interface dipole-induced band engineering.

At IEEE IEDM, imec also presents a model for heterostructure interface resistivity (Rhi) analysis for highly doped semiconductors. Using this novel model, imec predicted that high-doping Si:P in a TiSix/Si:P/n-Ge contact stack helps to overcome the high contact resistance problem in Ge nMOS. With development of an advanced low-temperature Si:P epitaxy technique, imec demonstrated a TiSix/Si:P/n-Ge contact stack with record-low contact resistivity for n-Ge.

“Dedicated to push the boundaries of Moore’s Law, Ge-based devices are a key focus area or our research,” stated An Steegen, Executive Vice President Semiconductor Technology and Systems. “These breakthrough achievements underscore our dedication to understanding the fundamental roadblocks that need to be overcome in order for Ge-based devices to become a viable solution for 5nm and beyond.”

This work was performed in collaboration with ASM, Poongsan and Nanyang Technological University. Imec’s research into advanced logic scaling is performed in cooperation with imec’s key partners in its core CMOS programs including GlobalFoundries, Huawei, Intel, Micron, Qualcomm, Samsung, SK Hynix, Sony and TSMC.